NEW AMERICANS IN THE GEM AND TREASURE STATES: Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are Growing Economic and Political Force in Idaho and Montana

The Immigration Policy Center has compiled research which shows that immigrants, Latinos, and Asians are an important part of Idaho and Montana’s economies, labor force, and tax base. Immigrants and their children are a growing economic and political force as consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs. With the nation working towards economic recovery, Latinos, Asians and immigrants will continue to play a key role in shaping the economic and political future of the Gem and Treasure States.

Highlights from Idaho include:

• Immigrants made up 5.6% of Idahoans (or 83,904 people) in 2007.

• The purchasing power of Latinos totaled $2.5 billion and Asian buying power totaled $650.6 million in Idaho in 2009.

• If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Idaho, the state could lose $42.8 million in economic activity and $190.4 million in gross state product.

Highlights from Montana include:

• Immigrants made up 1.7% of Montanans (or 4,789 people) in 2007.

• The purchasing power of Latinos totaled $501.2 million and Asian buying power totaled $176 million in Montana in 2009.

• If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Montana, the state could lose $96.3 million in economic activity and $42.8 million in gross state product.

There is no denying the contributions immigrants, Latinos, and Asians make in Idaho and Montana and the important role they will play in the states’ political and economic futures.

KJ